Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.
|
1. A food storage system, comprising:
a main bowl defining a first food receiving cavity;
a main lid detachably engageable with the main bowl;
a secondary bowl positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid, the secondary bowl being generally concentrically positioned relative to the main bowl when the main lid is engaged with the main bowl;
wherein the secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing a thermal energy storage material therein, the sidewall defining a second food receiving cavity, wherein the food storage system can separately hold food items in the first or second food receiving cavities, the secondary bowl being configured so that the thermal energy storage material can heat and/or cool food contained in the second food receiving cavity; and
wherein the sidewall of the secondary bowl is generally translucent so that the secondary bowl has a color of the thermal energy storage material included therein.
19. A food storage system, comprising:
a main bowl defining a first food receiving cavity;
a secondary bowl positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defining a second food receiving cavity, wherein the secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing a thermal energy storage material therein, wherein the food storage system can separately hold food items in the first or second food receiving cavities, the secondary bowl being configured so that the thermal energy storage material can heat and/or cool food contained in the second food receiving cavity, wherein the secondary bowl is securable in a fixed position within the first food receiving cavity when the main and secondary bowls are covered, the secondary bowl being generally translucent so that the secondary bowl has a color of the thermal energy storage material; and
wherein the sidewall is formed by inner and outer panels, the inner panel defining the second food receiving cavity, the outer panel being integrally formed with the main bowl.
12. A food storage system, comprising:
a main bowl defining a first food receiving cavity;
a secondary bowl positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defining a second food receiving cavity, wherein the secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing a thermal energy storage material therein, wherein the food storage system can separately hold food items in the first or second food receiving cavities, the secondary bowl being configured so that the thermal energy storage material can heat and/or cool food contained in the second food receiving cavity, wherein the secondary bowl is securable in a fixed position within the first food receiving cavity when the main and secondary bowls are covered, such that when the secondary bowl is secured in the fixed position the secondary bowl is generally concentrically positioned within the main bowl; and
main and secondary lids, wherein the secondary lid is detachably engageable with the secondary bowl, the main lid being detachably engageable with the main bowl, the food storage system being configured so that, when the secondary lid is engaged with the secondary bowl and the main lid is engaged with the main bowl, the main lid braces the secondary lid in position.
2. The food storage system of
4. The food storage system of
5. The food storage system of
6. The food storage system of
7. The food storage lid of
8. The food storage lid of
9. The food storage system of
11. The food storage material of
13. The food storage system of
14. The food storage system of
15. The food receiving storage system of
16. The food receiving storage system of
17. The food receiving storage system of
18. The food receiving storage system of
20. The food storage system of
|
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to: U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/209,746, filed Jul. 21, 2004; U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/210,422, filed Jul. 30, 2004; U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/210, 681, filed Aug. 4, 2004; U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/210,423, filed Jul. 30, 2004; U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/210,287, filed Jul. 29, 2004; U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/211,946, filed Aug. 24, 2004; U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/215,245, filed Oct. 15, 2004; and U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/215,246, filed Oct. 15, 2004; each of the above-identified applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth in its entirety.
The present invention is generally directed to food storage systems and, more specifically, is directed to food storage systems that include thermal energy storing material for heating and/or cooling associated food.
While some food service items use multiple compartments to store or present food, such food service items fail to maintain the associate food at suitable temperatures when that food must be maintained in a heated and/or chilled state. This results in food spoilage and/or in food characteristics changing in an unpalatable fashion.
It would be advantageous to provide a food storage system that could separately store multiple foods; that can maintain food in a heated and/or cooled condition; that preferably can be used for serving food; and that is preferably easy to transport or store for later consumption.
Briefly speaking, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a food storage system that includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A main lid is detachably engaged able with the main bowl. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. The sidewall defines a second food receiving cavity. The food storage system can separately hold food items in the first or second food receiving cavities. The secondary bowl is configured so that the thermal energy storage material can heat and/or cool food contained in the second food receiving cavity.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a food storage system that includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing a thermal energy storage material therein. The food storage system can separately hold food items in the first or second food receiving cavities. The secondary bowl is configured so that the thermal energy storage material can heat and/or cool food contained in the second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl is securable in a fixed position within the first food receiving cavity when the main and secondary bowls are covered.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a food storage lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. The food storage lid includes a main lid adapted to be detachably engageable with the main bowl. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing a thermal energy storage material therein. The sidewall defines a second food receiving cavity. The food storage lid can hold food in the second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl is configured so that the thermal energy storage material can heat and/or cool food contained in the second food receiving cavity.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the food storage system and designated parts thereof. The term “food” or “food item”, as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, is defined as including “one or both of liquid food (such as milk, water, Gatorade, soda or the like) and solid food (such as cookies, cereal, sandwiches, egg salad, or the like). The words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. This terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
Referring to
The main lid 32, the main bowl 34, and the secondary bowl 36, are preferably made of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyphthalate carbonate (PPC), or any other suitable material.
Referring to
The main lid 32 is detachably engageable with the main bowl 34. The main lid 32 preferably has either a generally circular shape or a generally rectilinear shape. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the main lid 32 can have any shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the main lid 32 can be triangular, irregularly shaped or polygonally shaped, or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is preferable, but not necessary that the main lid is generally translucent. Alternatively, the main lid can be opaque or can have various designs printed thereon.
A secondary bowl 36 is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid 32. Referring to
Referring specifically to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring again to
The sidewall 42 defines a second food receiving cavity 44. It is preferred, but not necessary that a portion of the main lid 32 form a portion of the sidewall 42 of the secondary bowl 36.
The main lid 32 may have a major surface 46 facing in a first direction generally away from the main bowl 34, when the main lid 32 is attached to thereto. The portion 48 of the main lid 32 preferably extends outwardly therefrom in a direction generally opposite to the first direction. The portion 48 of the main lid defines an outer wall 50 of the sidewall 42 of the secondary bowl 36.
It is also preferred that a panel 52 is shaped to be generally coextensive with the portion 48 of the main lid 32 forming the outer wall 50 and is attached to the main lid 32 to form an inner wall 54 of the secondary bowl 36. The inner wall 52 defines a food receiving surface for the second food receiving cavity 44 and is generally spaced from the outer wall 50 to define a chamber 56 therebetween.
It is preferable that the thermal energy storage material 38 is located within the chamber 56. It is also preferable that the thermal energy storage material 38 is a gel. The gel may be colored or translucent depending on the particular esthetic look desired. It is preferred that the inner wall 54 is welded to the main lid 32. Alternatively, the inner wall 54 may be secured to the main lid via an adhesive, or by any other known method of securing two components of a food storage system.
The food storage system 30:1-30:3 can separately hold food items in the first or second food receiving cavities 40, 44. The secondary bowl 36 is configured so that the thermal energy storage material 38 can heat/or cool food contained in the second food receiving cavity 44. It is preferred that the secondary bowl 36 is generally translucent so that the secondary bowl 36 has a color of the thermal energy storage material 38 therein.
When both the main bowl 34 and the secondary bowl 36 are generally translucent, the entire food storage system 30:1-30:3 takes on the general color of the thermal energy storage material 38. This allows for attractive decorative options. It is preferred that the secondary bowl 36 is generally centered in the main bowl 34.
The food storage system 30:1-30:3 may include a secondary lid 58 that is detachably engageable with the secondary bowl 36. It is preferable that the secondary bowl 36 include an upper rim 60 for engaging the secondary lid 58. The secondary bowl 36 is preferably located so that the upper rim 60 is substantially adjacent to the major surface 46 of the main lid 32. The major surface 46 preferably faces generally away from the main bowl 34 when the main lid 32 is attached thereto.
Referring to
The food storage system 30:4-30:8 includes the secondary bowl 36 positioned in the first food receiving cavity 40. It is preferable, but not necessary, that the secondary bowl 36 is generally centrally positioned within the main bowl 34. The secondary bowl 36 includes a sidewall 42 containing thermal energy storage material 38 therein.
It is preferred that the sidewall 42 is formed by inner and outer panels 62, 64. The inner panel 62 defines the second food receiving cavity 44. The outer panel 64 is preferably integrally formed with the main bowl 34. It is preferred that the inner panel 62 defines the upper rim 60 for engaging the secondary lid 58. The inner panel 62 is generally co-extensive with and spaced from the outer panel 64.
It is preferred that the main bowl 34 is generally translucent. It is also preferred that the secondary bowl 36 is generally translucent so that the main and secondary bowls 34, 36 have the general color of the thermal energy storage material 38. Alternatively, the secondary bowl 36 can be the only bowl that is generally translucent so that the secondary bowl 36 has the color of the thermal energy storage material 38, but the main bowl 34 does not.
The food storage system 30:4-30:8 can separately hold food items in the first or second food receiving food receiving cavities 40,44. The secondary bowl 36 is configured so that the thermal energy storage material 38 can heat and/or cool food contained in the food receiving cavity 44. The secondary bowl 36 is securable in a fixed position within the first food receiving cavity 40 when the main and secondary bowls are covered.
It is preferred, but not necessary, that the main and secondary bowls 34, 36 are fixedly attached to each other. Referring to
Referring to
Referring specifically to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
While various shapes, configurations, uses, and features have been described above and are shown in the drawings for the various embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any combination of the above features can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10138020, | Jul 19 2013 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage container systems |
10583961, | Jul 19 2013 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage container systems |
11930833, | Feb 14 2017 | Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC | Process for maintaining freshness of vegetable pieces |
9108766, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Storage container systems |
9682799, | Jul 19 2013 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage container systems |
D681887, | Mar 14 2012 | Radio Systems Corporation | Square pet fountain |
D704903, | Jul 22 2011 | Radio Systems Corporation | Ceramic fountain |
D716003, | Mar 20 2012 | Bowl comprised of a top bowl, middle insert, and bottom | |
D719399, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D720178, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D721246, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D723864, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D724891, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC ; SMART DESIGN, LLC | Container |
D725433, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC ; SMART DESIGN, LLC | Container |
D741170, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D741171, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D741708, | Oct 10 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D742224, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D742743, | Oct 10 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D744336, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container lid |
D744776, | May 21 2014 | PARTY IP HOLDINGS LLC | Microwave grill |
D752973, | Jul 19 2013 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D760073, | Mar 13 2014 | S C JOHNSON & SON, INC | Container |
D797552, | Jul 19 2013 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Container |
D829545, | Jul 19 2013 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Container bowl |
D911098, | Jul 19 2013 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Container lid |
ER9868, |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
2240020, | |||
2661679, | |||
304658, | |||
384554, | |||
4395015, | Dec 21 1981 | Cake mold | |
452146, | |||
478469, | |||
5088301, | Dec 21 1990 | Nestable cooling bowl | |
5099998, | May 17 1990 | E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY | Thick film container |
5231850, | Dec 05 1991 | Cooler container | |
5345784, | Jun 01 1993 | Salad bowl having a refrigerant chamber | |
5520014, | Sep 18 1992 | Freezer box | |
5540611, | Sep 05 1995 | Air actuated flexible beverage container cover | |
5568735, | Jun 13 1994 | OVERTON, DAVID C | Food container |
5593062, | Oct 10 1995 | Social serving plate | |
5869120, | Sep 14 1993 | CONTESSA PREMIUM FOODS, INC A DELAWARE CORPORATION | Serving tray with shrimp |
6021903, | Feb 20 1998 | Tenneco Packaging Inc. | Plastic container with sauce cup holder |
6022571, | Sep 14 1993 | CONTESSA PREMIUM FOODS, INC A DELAWARE CORPORATION | Serving tray with shrimp |
6044650, | Dec 20 1994 | ROYAL BANK OF CANADA | Insulated storage/shipping container for maintaining a constant temperature |
6168813, | Sep 14 1993 | CONTESSA PREMIUM FOODS, INC A DELAWARE CORPORATION | Serving tray with shrimp |
6318114, | Mar 06 2001 | Rapid cooling food container | |
6474494, | May 12 1999 | Thomas H., Miller | Beverage container cover bowl |
6514548, | Jan 02 2001 | Ocean Duke Corporation | Shrimp and tray combination and method of making same |
6550630, | Mar 27 2002 | Blue Sky Foods, LLC | Container for frozen cake batter |
6601403, | Sep 06 2002 | Cool Gear International, LLC | Thermal storage lid |
947373, | |||
20010023595, | |||
20030150239, | |||
195046, | |||
240957, | |||
D277632, | Feb 19 1982 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Food storage dish |
D282044, | Jul 06 1982 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Cover for a casserole |
D285157, | Feb 18 1983 | Chit Hing Metal & Plastic Mfg. Fty. | Food server or similar article |
D286250, | Jun 27 1984 | SYL KOUBY AND SCARLETT P | Combined food plate and beverage container holder |
D289246, | Jun 04 1984 | DE STER HOLDING B V | Plate |
D289843, | Jun 04 1984 | DE STER HOLDING B V | Dish |
D291757, | Nov 23 1984 | DE STER HOLDING B V | Plate |
D297799, | Nov 26 1985 | MARIDREAM ENTERPRISES | Combination drinking cup and snack receptacle |
D304658, | Jul 29 1986 | Fratelli Guzzini S.p.A. | Combined tray and bowl |
D304659, | May 04 1987 | Combined chip and salsa server | |
D343929, | Oct 28 1991 | Pet dish | |
D352204, | Mar 16 1993 | Packaging Corporation of America | Catering tray |
D360112, | Apr 09 1993 | ZETA CONSUMER PRODUCTS CORP | Bowl |
D363644, | Aug 05 1994 | Aladdin Synergetics, Inc. | Party tray |
D366395, | Aug 05 1994 | Aladdin Synergetics, Inc. | Party tray |
D381472, | Nov 03 1995 | Spill catching pet bowl | |
D384554, | Jan 16 1996 | EKCO HOUSEWARES, INC | Combination cake server, salad bowl, and dip tray |
D388325, | May 20 1996 | First Brands Corporation | Container for food |
D404612, | Sep 18 1996 | CONTESSA PREMIUM FOODS, INC A DELAWARE CORPORATION | Serving tray with shrimp |
D415652, | Jan 20 1999 | Rubbermaid Incorporated; Amway Corporation | Food container lid |
D418018, | Dec 09 1998 | Cocktail plate | |
D422907, | Dec 08 1997 | Tenneco Packaging; TENNECO PACKAGING INC | Bottom for a food container |
D432857, | Jul 13 1999 | T L C INTERNATIONAL, INC | Container lid |
D432858, | Nov 08 1999 | REYNOLDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC | Lid for a container |
D440830, | Jun 30 2000 | The Glad Products Company | Container for food |
D443484, | Sep 25 2000 | The Glad Products Company | Container for food |
D444676, | Apr 13 2000 | Multi-use dish | |
D450983, | Oct 06 2000 | The Glad Products Company | Reusable container for food |
D452146, | Dec 12 2000 | Ocean Duke Corporation | Combination of a tray and an arrangement of shrimp |
D453308, | Jan 22 2001 | Flat tray with lip for table top container for plants, flowers, food and other articles | |
D478469, | Aug 06 2002 | Cool Gear International, LLC | Refreezable lid |
D481262, | Jul 08 2002 | Columbia Insurance Company; BH COLUMBIA, INC | Plate |
D485473, | Feb 11 2002 | S C JOHNSON HOME STORAGE, INC | Container and lid |
D488741, | Jun 03 2003 | Patio table planter and planter base | |
D489972, | Aug 28 2002 | Duke, Lin | Shrimp and surimi tray |
D511273, | Feb 04 2004 | Shrimp cocktail container | |
D511435, | Jul 21 2004 | Cool Gear International, LLC | Lid for a container |
D516867, | Jul 17 2003 | PIVODA, DAVID | Plate |
D526161, | Jul 21 2004 | Cool Gear International, LLC | Bowl |
D527951, | Jul 21 2004 | Cool Gear International, LLC | Bowl |
D527952, | Jul 21 2004 | Cool Gear International, LLC | Bowl |
DE19737229, | |||
DE20103678, | |||
GB2331976, | |||
GB2336899, | |||
JP10035415, | |||
JP11222269, | |||
JP1139362, | |||
JP61169086, | |||
JP63152131, | |||
JP638265, | |||
JP7246024, | |||
JP8027153, | |||
JP9215515, | |||
JP986571, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
May 09 2008 | Cool Gear International, LLC | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Dec 01 2010 | ROTH, DONNA J | Cool Gear International, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 025521 | /0375 | |
Dec 01 2010 | ROTH, HENRY M | Cool Gear International, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 025521 | /0375 | |
Dec 01 2010 | ROTH, HENRY HANK M | Cool Gear International, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 025521 | /0506 | |
Dec 22 2014 | Cool Gear International, LLC | CERBERUS BUSINESS FINANCE, LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT | GRANT OF A SECURITY INTEREST -- PATENTS | 034705 | /0061 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Mar 02 2015 | M2551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Yr, Small Entity. |
Feb 22 2019 | M2552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Yr, Small Entity. |
Apr 08 2021 | BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code). |
Jan 10 2023 | M1553: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 12th Year, Large Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Aug 30 2014 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Mar 02 2015 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Aug 30 2015 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Aug 30 2017 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Aug 30 2018 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Mar 02 2019 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Aug 30 2019 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Aug 30 2021 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Aug 30 2022 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Mar 02 2023 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Aug 30 2023 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Aug 30 2025 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |